Behind The Design: Space Cookware

The bane of kitchen storage has to be pots and pans. From awkward handles poking out of cabinets, to precarious piles of cookware stacked in cupboards - it’s a universal problem we’ve all encountered. And an exciting design problem waiting to be solved. By reimagining the blueprint of cookware design, the new product development team at Joseph Joseph HQ in London created Space. Professional quality, high performance pans featuring a revolutionary folding handle with a precision-engineered mechanism allowing handles to fold away saving up to 50% more cupboard space.

“Our approach to responsible innovation and problem-solving was driven by the goal of designing a premium cookware range with the most compact storage solution for pans and lids. We created Space to inspire home cooks with cleverly designed products that maximise performance, are engineered to last and are made for the future.”

Antony & Richard Joseph

Cookware reimagined

The project began with extensive research in consumers' homes to better understand habits, problems and frustrations. “There are so many great designs out there already, but we were inspired to do something different by solving the kitchen storage problem with intelligent design,” explains cookware category manager Emma Lay.

Designing a folding handle. The early engineering of SwingLock™ Technology.

SwingLock™ Technology was the major design breakthrough. This unique mechanism allows the pan handles to fold inwards so they can stack together neatly, saving space and improving organization. “Engineering the handle mechanism to operate smoothly whilst ensuring in-use performance was uncompromised was really important to us” commented Director of Industrial Design & Innovation, Gareth McNeil. "We were focused on ensuring every element of the pan worked seamlessly and delivered exceptional quality”.

Built to last

The SwingLock™ handle was rigorously tested to ensure that the pans felt just as solid during use as any other professional-grade cookware. With a satisfyingly secure locking mechanism when extended, the handles were put through stress, heat, and durability tests - going through over 15,000 cycles of opening and closing to replicate 20 years of daily use. The compatibility with all hobs was crucial, while the pans being oven-safe broadened the horizons of the overall cooking experience. “A durable ceramic coating was also key”, Emma explained, “all Space pans feature a non-toxic ceramic coating free from PTFE, PFOA, PFAS, Lead & cadmium for safer cooking and exceptional performance."

Made for cooks

Professional-quality, versatile and durable - Space delivers a first-class cooking experience. “Using heavy-gauge aluminium for even heat distribution was essential to performance”, Emma described, “this delivers a premium feel, elevated by the ergonomically shaped stainless-steel handles.”

Variety was crucial too, the range includes everything from sauté pans, to woks, stock pots and saucepans. All of which are super-versatile in the kitchen, “if you opt for just a frying pan set, we’ve designed these to be deeper than traditional ones to allow cooking beyond frying. These are great for ragus, sauces and risottos whilst obviously providing great frying credentials too.”

Chef Flynn McGarry cooking with Space at the Dacor Kitchen Theater in Midtown New York City.

No detail was overlooked

The entire collection is complemented with a deep Midnight Blue ceramic finish. We carefully consider color on all Joseph Joseph designs and Space was no exception. Paired with polished stainless-steel handles, Midnight Blue is calm and commanding, yet beautifully understated and compatible with any kitchen.

Award-winning

The team travelled to Chicago to launch Space cookware at the Inspired Home Show, where we were delighted to win not one, but four (!) awards including a Gia Award for Excellence in Product Design. After a five-year journey, we’re excited to finally share our first cookware collection, and offer a pan evolution that provides a little more space.